Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has lauded the performance of Chelsea's Mikel Obi inTuesday night's first leg Champions League clash away to Atletico Madrid at the Vincente Calderon Stadium.
Keshi told Complete Sports that despite being a bit-part player for the Blues this season the 27-year-old player proved he still ranks amongst the best.
It was Mikel's first start for the Blues since featuring from the start against Manchester City in February and the former Togo and Mali boss admits his midfield linchpin is ready for the World Cup in Brazil.
"Considering the fact that he has been in and out of the Chelsea team he did creditably well against Atletico Madrid," Keshi said.
"And it shows that those we think are bench players are in good condition. I'm in touch with the players expected to be called up and they know themselves."
He added that he will be keenly watching Mikel on Sunday against an attacking Liverpool side who are five points clear of the Blues at the top of the Premier League.
"He's out of the second leg against Atletico so ideally Mikel should play a key role again."
Former Ghanian defender Ossei Kuffour also applauded the Nigerian who made his 53rd appearance in the competition.
Kuffour, a winner with Bayern Munich in 2001, said Mikel showed no sign of rustiness when he was called up by boss Jose Mourinho.
“He was instrumental in the stalemate in Madrid,” Kuffour said. “I have to give credit to Mikel because he did very well for the team.
“He hasn’t been in the team for a while now but a typical Mourinho brings him in to shore up the midfield; it’s a pity that he’ll miss the second leg clash at Stamford Bridge,”
The midfielder was booked in Tuesday's goalless draw by referee Jonas Eriksson in the 75th minute for dissent.
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